Tips for Keeping Healthy Brakes

Nissans and all other vehicles are built to go the speed limit or faster, but they must also slow down and stop at some point. Keeping healthy brakes ensures that your vehicle will slow or stop when you want it to rather than causing a major scare or even an accident.

To be certain that your brakes will perform as they should for as long as possible, here are some helpful tips for Philadelphia, Lansdale and Doylestown car owners:

Keep Up with Scheduled Maintenance

Every car has an owner’s manual that lets the driver know when important service procedures need to be performed. These include brake inspections and brake fluid replacement roughly every three years. Without this regular service, major problems that can cause brakes to fail could be missed. Low brake fluid can cause near total loss of braking abilities, and other issues can lead to significant damage that requires you to replace calipers or other expensive braking systems.

Never ignore the suggested maintenance in your owner’s manual. As one former mechanic puts it: “It would be very foolish to skip servicing of a vital safety system like brakes. Brake cylinders and calipers are expensive to replace. A life is priceless.”

Replace Brake Pads as Needed

Scheduled maintenance is not always able to account for the differences in driving habits, conditions and needs. In other words, some people’s brakes wear out faster than others.

Keep up by noticing when differences in braking performance occur. Having to step further on the pedal, slower braking times, shuddering or other issues can mean that your pads are near the end of their life. Brake pads with wear indicators will let you know for sure that you are due for a replacement by squealing loudly or scraping. Replace them during this time, and have the mechanic evaluate the condition of other elements like brake rotors when you do.

Take It Easy

Beyond typical maintenance, car owners must be gentle on their brakes to prolong their lifespan in general. Techniques that reduce brake problems include:

Never speeding more than you have to since it eventually means heavier braking

Anticipate stops and brake gradually rather than slamming on the brakes every time

Let off the accelerator in instances where you would normally need to slow down, such as before entering a turn or encountering slowed traffic

Keep your left foot on the clutch or firmly on the floor. Using your left foot to brake means you are more likely to be hitting the accelerator at the same time, wasting gas and brake longevity

Never ride your brakes while driving unless you are going down steep hills

Learn when to coast to spare your brakes and your gas

Do not assume that brake lights mean you must brake unless the distance between you and the car is closing rapidly

Carry only as much weight and cargo as you need since heavier loads put more stress on brakes

Buy the Equipment You Need

Consult your owner’s manual as well as your mechanic to find the pads that will work best for your vehicle and driving habits. Genuine Parts are recommended for most daily driving uses, but there are other recommended products available that enhance factors such as high-speed performance or braking under heavy loads.

Philadelphia, Lansdale and Doylestown residents should visit Montgomeryville Nissan’s service department to schedule an appointment or learn more about the brake parts and procedures they need to keep their Nissan braking safely and smoothly. Our service department is open daily Monday through Thursday from 7:30AM- 7:30PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30AM- 4PM.